Uttarakhand to host Himalayan states chief ministers meet

Published: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 15:19 [IST]

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New Delhi, Nov 15 (ANI): Uttarakhnad Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal is planning to convene a conference of chief ministers of Himalayan states in Dehradun shortly to discuss the issues of development, the economy and industrial activities.

According to the Uttarakhand Government sources, Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and other Northeastern states are expected to take part in the conference.

Dates for the conference is yet to be finalised, sources added.

Pokhriyal is also seeking from the Centre a special compensatory package for preserving natural wealth in the hill state as well as extension of the industrial package 2003 till 2020.

Earlier, Union Environment and Forest Ministry opined that there should be a separate central policy for hill states where a big mass of land comes under forest cover.

According to the Uttarakhand Government's estimate the state require Rs 1,000-1,500 crore annually for preserving reserved forests, wildlife and national parks.(ANI)